Join us on a journey of discovery through our land, where medieval castles sit picturesquely on hills and where palaces are found nestled by the lake sides.
You probably know the Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva. But have you ever heard about the castles below? Let us introduce you to 6 out of the 30 castles and palaces from the «Swiss Castles» association.
1) Castles in French-speaking Switzerland
Château d'Yverdon - a fairytale-like castle in the city
The canton of Vaud is home to numerous castles, but the
fortress. in Yverdon-les-Bains, built in 1259, is a particular gem. The castle represents the architectural model of the «Savoyard quadrilateral» and is the first example of this architectural style. The architect Jacques de Saint-Georges later exported this model to Wales. During the Bernese period, from the 16th to the 18th century, the castle served as the residence of the bailiffs. In the 19th century, it housed the famous educationalist Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi and his institute for young people and prospective teachers. Yet, how did the castle come to house the «Museum of Yverdon and Region», as well as a…mummy? A visit to the castle will definitely shed light on this myster.
Château de Gruyères - tales and legends
Do you know Jean l'Eclopé, the heroic deeds of Claremboz and Bras-de-Fer? The
Gruyères Castle, located in the Fribourg Alps, is a place full of tales and legends. The ancestral castle of the Counts of Gruyères, built around 1270, was the seat of bailiffs for a long time and was home to an artists' colony in the 19th century. You can experience the magic of the fortress and discover its secrets by joining guided tours and activities, or by visiting on your own. Picturesque tales mingle with historical facts: a truly magical experience. Fondue and meringues with double cream await you in the charming village at the gates of the castle. A visit to Gruyères is the best way to combine culture and gastronomy.
Our suggested hotels in French-speaking Switzerland
Hôtel la Prairie****
The Hotel la Prairie is located in a beautiful park in the centre of Yverdon. Look forward to delicacies and exquisite wines in the restaurant «La Terrasse» (14 GaultMillau points).
Hotel Rallye***Superior
The Hotel Rallye is a 3-star superior hotel with 49 rooms, located in the centre of Bulle. It is easily accessible, only 15 minutes away from the Château de Gruyères.
2) Castles & palaces in Bern
Burgdorf Castle - a unique cabinet of curiosities
Burgdorf Castle is one of the oldest and most significant castle complexes in Switzerland. Built in 1200 by Duke Berchtold V of Zähringen, the castle served different purposes over the centuries: first as the residence of the Kyburgs and later as the cantonal administrative centre with a court and prison! Today, however, you no longer have to be afraid of the castle. Thanks to the unique combination of museum, restaurant and youth hostel, you can marvel, dine, sleep and celebrate in full relaxation. In the museum, young and old can discover the history of the castle, town and region accross 20 exhibition rooms in a unique and interactive way.
Oberhofen Castle - pure magic by Lake Thun
The romantic
Oberhofen Castle is located in one of the most magnificent parks in the Alpine region. With its striking groups of trees and colourful flowers, the historic garden is a true oasis of tranquility. The castle museum vividly tells the story of the former inhabitants. Immerse yourself in the life of the Neuchâtel-Prussian Count de Pourtalès family, who bought the castle in 1844 and converted it into a summer residence, and in the everyday lives of their servants. The oriental smoking room at the top of the tower is a true highlight, offering a fantastic view of the Bernese Alps and Lake Thun. The mystically beautiful castle chapel dates back to the 15th century and features impressive murals.
The castle complex includes the «Restaurant Schloss Oberhofen», a great place to enjoy delicious dishes with a wonderful view of Lake Thun.
Our suggested hotels in Bern
Stadthaus****
The Boutique Hotel Stadthaus is just a short walk from Burgdorf Castle. It’s where History meets excellent gastronomy.
Hotel und Restaurant Chartreuse***
The Hotel Chartreuse on Lake Thun festures 19 romantic rooms and the finest Italian cuisine in the «Osteria da Pasquale».
3) Castles & palaces in Aargau
Lenzburg Castle - Of knights and dragons
Lenzburg Castle in the canton of Aargau is one of the most significant and impressive hilltop castles in Switzerland. If you step over the drawbridge into the castle courtyard, you are immersed in over 1000 years of eventful history. Lenzburg Castle was once the residence of counts, later the official residence of Bernese bailiffs and served as the home of wealthy American families until aviation pioneer Marie Louise Ellsworth-Ulmer sold it in 1956. Today, exhibitions and the residential museum showcase the lives of knights and noblemen. Meanwhile, crooks awaited their sentence in the prison. The children's museum, the cave of castle dragon Fauchi and a real-life unicorn are unforgettable for young visitors. A visit to Lenzburg Castle is like travelling back in time to the Middle Ages.
Wildegg Castle - Baroque castle and garden experience
Wildegg Castle sits majestically on a hill within sight of Lenzburg Castle. The expansive view over the Aargau region and stretching as far as the Alps, the magnificent baroque gardens full of centurz-old rose varieties make a visit a truly unique experience. Established under the Habsburgs sovereignty in the 13th century, the von Effinger family later lived in the castle for several generations. The residential museum with its 37 living and working rooms bears witness to the aristocratic family's sophisticated lifestyle and exquisite taste. Meet former residents of the castle in talking portraits during your visit. The bistro is the perfect place to round off the visit with culinary delights and enjoy the view of the estate.
Our suggested hotels in Aargau
Mercure Lenzburg Krone****
At the foot of the castle hill stands the traditional Mercure Lenzburg Krone, which originally opened in 1750 under the name «Gasthaus Krone».
Centurion Swiss Quality Towerhotel
The Centurion Swiss Quality Towerhotel offers 66 ultra-modern rooms and a trendy grill and steak restaurant right next to Brugg railway station.
We hope you enjoy discovering these wonderful monuments!
